High density mobile storage system

ABSTRACT

A high density mobile storage system in which groups of load bearing storage devices such as racks and shelves are provided with selectively energized air bearings which provide a lubricating film of air between a supporting warehouse or like floor and the bearings whereby to reduce the coefficient of friction between the bearings and the floor and permit movement of the storage devices, either singly or in groups from place to place along preferably guided paths with little expenditure of power, either manual or automatic.

United States Patent 1 Baker, Jr. et a1.

Oct. 2, 1973 HIGH DENSITY MOBlLE STORAGE SYSTEM Inventors: Edward A.Baker, Jr., Birmingham;

Rowland A. Fabb, Troy, both of Mich.

Assignee: Palmer-Shile Company, Detroit,

Mich.

Filed: Feb. 16, 1972 Appl. No.: 226,569

Related U.S. Application Data Continuation of Ser. No. 35,159, May 6,1970, abandoned.

U.S. Cl 104/173, l80/l25,312/198 Int. Cl A47b 53/02 Field of Search180/116, 124, 125;

References Cited UNlTED STATES PATENTS Baker, Jr, et al. 211/177 PrimaryExaminerGerald M. Forlcnza Assistant ExaminerRobcrt SaiferAttorney-Harness, Dickey & Pierce [57] ABSTRACT A high density mobilestorage system in which groups of load bearing storage devices such asracks and shelves are provided with selectively energized air bearingswhich provide a lubricating film of air between a supporting warehouseor like floor and the bearings whereby to reduce the coefficient offriction between the bearings and the floor and permit movement of thestorage devices, either singly or in groups from place to place alongpreferably guided paths with little expenditure of power, either manualor automatic.

3 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures Pmmmnm'z 3.762.335

SHEET 3 OF 4 HIGH DENSITY MOBILE STORAGE SYSTEM This is a continuation,of application Ser. No. 35,159, filed May 6, 1970 now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Mobile shelving systems are known in whichcabinets or the like each carrying a series of vertically spacedshelves, are carried upon rollers or other mechanical casters formovement along guided paths either manually or by mechanically appliedpower. Ground effect or air flotation systems employing air bearings arealso known, but so far as the present applicants are aware have notheretofore been adapted to or applied to storage devices and systems.The present invention achieved such an adaptation or application in asimple, economical and efficient manner and provides a highly desirablehigh density mobile storage system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION As aforesaid, the present invention provides ahigh density mobile storage system in which groups of load bearingstorage devices such as racks and shelves are provided with selectively.energized'air bearings which provide a lubricating film ofair between asupporting warehouse or like floor and the bearings whereby to reducethe coefficient of friction between the bearings and the floor andpermit movement of the storage devices, either singly or in groups fromplace to place along preferably guided paths with little expenditure ofpower, either manual or automatic.

Accordingly, principal objects of the invention are to provide storageequipment such as racks, incorporating air bearings capable ofestablishing a lubricating film of air between the equipment and itssupporting floor, whereby to enable movement of the equipment over thefloor with minimum expenditure of power; to provide such equipmentcapable of supporting both balanced and unbalanced loads; to providesuch equipment incorporating a plurality of symmetrically arranged airbearings; to provide high density storage systems, incorporating aplurality of. individual powered storage devices arranged for travelalong guided paths; and to provide such systems incorporatingselectively operable means to interconnect two or more storage devicesfor simultaneous movement.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of acantilever rack embodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is a view in top plan of the structure of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a view in side elevation of the structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a view in top plan of one of the air bearings or air castersemployed in the structure of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3;

FIGS is a view of vertical section taken along the lines 55 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a viewin perspective of the structure of FIGS. 4 and 5;

FIG. 7 is a view in top plan of a rack system which embodies and isarranged in accordance with the invention;

underside of the FIG. 8 is a fragmentary view in side elevation basedupon the structure of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a detailed view of a part of the structure shown in FIGS. 7and 8;

FIG. 10 is a view in top plan of another arrangement of racks whichincorporate and are arranged in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 11 is a view and side elevation based upon FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary view based upon FIGS. 10 and 11', and

FIG. 13 is a detailed view illustrating the guiding mechanism indicateddiagrammatically in FIGS. 10 and 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring first to FIGS. 1through 3, the storage rack herein illustrated by way of exampleembodies the construction shown and described in US. Pat. No. 3,212,648granted Oct. 19, 1965 to the present applicant Baker and Lee Z. Hall.This rack, which is preferably formed of steel, is generally indicatedat 11 and comprises a pair of bases each of which is generally indicatedat 12, a pair of columns each of which is generally indicated at 13 anda plurality of load supporting arms each of which is generally indicatedat 14, as well as interconnecting means generally indicated at 15between columns 13.

Each base comprises a pair of channel-shaped members l6 and 17, thesemembers being in back-to-back spaced relation and having out-turnedflanges. The backs of the members 16 and 17 are secured to the lowerends of the columns 13 and connecting plates 18 and 19 are providedadjacent the ends of the members 16 and 17. Channel-shaped reinforcingbars 21 may also be provided, these being secured to the web portions ofthe members 16 and 17. Each column 13 is fabricated of two sections 22and 23, these sections being symmetrical and of generally channel-shapeand the intumed flanges of which are secured together to form agenerally rectangular section. The shapes of the members 22-and 23 aresuch that each columns 13 taper upwardly, being slightly narrower at thetop than at the having its own base 12 and cars 27 on its oppositesides.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated, each supporting arm 14is fabricated of two generally channel-shaped but tapered sections 28and 29, secured together by welding. These sections are similar in shape'buthave overlapping lower edges, the section .28 being slightly largerthan section 29 .for this purpose. The upper portions of the sections 28and 29 have flush surfaces for load supporting purposes, and overlappinglower portions.

Thewider end of each supporting arm 14 is provided with a mountingbracket 32. Each bracket ,32 comprises a channel-shaped member, the webportion of which is secured to the widerend of the arm vl4 and the sidesof which are adapted to fit around the surface of the column 13. Theconstruction is such that when the web portion of each bracket 32 isflush with the facing surface of the column 13, as seen in FIG. 6, theupper surface of the corresonding arm 14 will be tilted slightlyupwardly and inwardly.

In the double-sided rack shown, four rows of apertures 38 are providedin each column 13, the rows being in two pairs with apertures in eachpair of rows being horizontally aligned in a direction at right anglesto the extent of supports 14 and at any desired vertical spacing. Theapertures 33 are of inclined rectangular shape, that is, with their sideedges extending downwardly and away from the surface of the column 13which face the supports 14. i The flanges of the brackets 32 arepreferably wide enough to overlap several pairs of aligned apertures 33when the brackets 32 are placed in the positions shown. The upper flangeportions of each bracket have a pair of horizontally aligned apertures34 which are larger in both directions than the apertures 33 and havingside edges inclined at the same angle as the side edges of apertures 33.A pin 36 of rectangular cross-sectional shape is insertable through theapertures 34 and 33 when a pair of apertures 34 on any bracket 32 arealigned with a pair of apertures 33. The cross-sectional shapes of pins36 are identical and such that they will be slidably receivable by theapertures 33 but without appreciable play after they are inserted. Edges35 of the apertures 34 on the brackets 32 will engage the surfaces ofthe pins 36 which face away from the corresponding support 14, as seenin FIG. 2. The arrangement is such that this engagement will cause theload supports 14 to be cammed or wedged toward the columns 13 with theweb portion of the bracket 32 being forced into tight frictionalengagement with the facing surface of the columns 13 so that asubstantial portion of the load on the supports is transmitted to thecolumns through the web portions of the brackets 32 and all of the loadon the supports 14 is not transmitted to the columns through the pins36. The apertures 34 are positioned high enough on the brackets 32 tocounteract the moment forces created on the supports 14 by the loadthereon, thus holding the supports firmly in position. The pins 36 arelonger than the distance between the aligned apertures 34. In use, anydesired number of arms, the supports 14 may be mounted at any desiredheights on the columns 13, for supporting bars, rods, tubes, or otherindustrial material.

In accordance with the present invention, rack 11 is supported upon agroup of four symmetrically arranged inflatable air-bearings 40 whichare secured to the undersides of the cross beams 12 near the outer endsthereof. When inflated as described below, the airbearings support therack upon a lubricating cushion of air and enable it, though heavilyloaded, to be moved as desired from place with very little expenditureof I force or power. Air bearings 40 may be of any suitable type but areillustrated as having the construction sold under the trade nameAirfloat. More particularly, referring toFIGS. 4, and 6 each bearingcomprises a flexible diaphragm 42 of oval shape secured throughout itsborder to a relatively light backing plate 44 which in turn is rigidlysecured to the underside of a corresponding reinforced support member46. Members 46 are in turn secured to the outer ends of the beams 14.Diaphragm 42 may be formed of any suitable material such, for example,0.050 inches thick urethane and may be stitched to the backing plate 44.

Throughout a relatively long narrow portion of its central area,diaphragm 42 is fixedly secured to the underside of the backing plate44, by means of an elongated narrow bar 48. Thus secured, diaphragm 42defines an inflatable chamber of what may be called race track form. Aircan be admitted to this chamber through the inlet fitting 50 and can bedischarged therefrom into the plenum space beneath the air bearingthrough a series of apertures, six being shown, which extend through thediaphragm and are spaced along and near the bar 48.

Air bearing 40 is shown in its deflated condition in FIG. 6 and in itsinflated condition in FIG. 5. It will be understood that in the deflatedcondition, the load upon the supported rack maintains the outer marginalareas of diaphragm 40 in substantially though not perfectly sealedrelation to the floor, depending upon the condition of the floor. If airis now introduced into the bearing through the inlet 50, a pressurebuilds up in the plenum chamber space between the underside of thediaphragm 40 and the supporting floor structure as well as within thebody of the diaphragm 40. The pressure thus developed not only inflatesthe marginal areas of the diaphragm 40 to the'inflated condition shownin FIG. 5 but also slightly elevates these marginal areas above thesupporting floor and allowing air to excape through the annular gapbetween the diaphragm and the floor, thereby establishing thelubricating air cushion between the bearing and the floor. As is wellknown, the load capacity of a single air bearing is the product of theair pressure within it and the area of its foot print; i.e., the area ofthe oval plenum chamber bounded by and beneath the diaphragm 42. Thus,at thirty pounds per square inch air pressure, a bearing having a footprint area of 500 square inches can lift a load of 15,000 pounds. Sincethe diaphragms 42 are quite flexible, the bearings 40 are compliant andmaintain the desired air cushion despite minor irregularities in thesupporting floor.

Reverting to FIG. 1, the air inlets associated with the air bearings 40are connected by means of air lines 16 to a common supply line 62.Preferably, the air supply source is external to the associated rack orracks and, consequently, line 61 is diagrammatically indicated asconnected through a coiled length of air line 64 to the indicated airsupply. It will be understood that line 62 extends downwardlythrough therighthand column 13 in FIG. 1, that branches therefrom lead to theindividual supply lines 60 which are apparent in this figure and thatanother branch therefrom extends through the interconnecting member 15and thence to the supply lines (not shown) for the two cushions 40associated with the lefthand column 13 in FIG. 1. In the use of racks ofthe illustrated type unbalanced loads are to be expected. For example,under some conditions only one side of a particular rack may be loaded.In other situations though both sides of the rack are loaded, theindividual loads may not be matched. Under some conditions also, rackmovement is required when a rack is completely unloaded. It is thusdesirable to interpose pressure regulating devices 61 in each individualsupply line, preferably immediately in advance of the associated cushioninlet 50, to provide that the inlet pressure at each cushion isproportional to the load upon that particular cushion. In accordancewith known practice of course, the lines leading from source 64 to theindividual bearings are suitably sized so that under all conditions theair pressures applied at the inlets of the several regulators 61 are thesame.

In further accordance with the present invention, a plurality of racks11 are arranged in groups which occupy a minimum of space and arepowered for movement along guided paths to enable individual onesthereof to be readily loaded and unloaded. Various configurations orgroupings are within the scope of the invention, one such grouping beingillustrated in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, and another being illustrated in FIGS.10 through 13.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, two groups of racks 11 arearranged in bays 64 and 66, at respectively opposite sides of a centeraisle 68, it being understood of course that each bay may include anydesired number of racks 11. Each rack 11 is provided with an air inlet62 which as described in connection with FIG. 1 may include a coiledportion leading to an external source of air pressure which may becommon to all of the racks in the system. These coiled supply lines ofcourse enable individual racks 11 to be moved from the illustratednormal position to a position entirely within the aisle 68. Aisle 68 mayof course be entered from either end by lift trucks or other knownloading and unloading devices.

In the broader aspects of the invention any suitable drive means may beutilized to effect and guide the movement between the bay position andthe aisle position of the individual racks. As shown, the supportingfloor structure is provided with gutters 70 which receive the drivemechanism. Gutters 70 have narrow entry throats 72 defined by structuralmembers 74 which are proportioned and supported to bear the loadsimposed thereon by the lift trucks and other loading and unloadingdevices. Each gutter 70 provides space for an endless drive cable 76which is trained over sheaves 78 and 80, the latter being connected to asuitable reversible drive motor 82 which may be electrically,hydraulically, pneumatically or otherwise operated. The individual racksare connected to their associated drive cables by means of connectingarms 84, which are rigidly secured at their upper ends to a cross beaml6'or 17 of the associated rack and are secured at their lower ends bymeans of a suitable fitting 86 to the drive cable 76. The arms 84cooperate with the structural members 74 to positively guide thecorresponding ends of the associated racks. Similar guidance for theother ends of the racks is provided by arms 85 secured to the beams 16or 17 and which project into the spaces between the members 74.

In operation, it will be understood that the air supply system and theconnections of the individual motors 82 may be programmed so that whenit is desired to load or unload a particular rack 11 the air supply forthat rack is turned on thereby establishing the air cushion therefor andthereafter the associated motor 82 is energized to thereby pull theassociated rack into the aisle. During this movement its guide bars 84and 85 insure that it will follow a linear path. Preferably but notnecessarily the air supply is shut off and the associated line 62 isvented during the loading or unloading operation, thereby allowing therack to settle solidly onto the supporting surface. When it is desiredto return the rack to the bay position the air supply isagain turned onand the associated motor is energized and drives the rack back into thebay at which time the air supply is shut off and vented, as before.

In the alternative configuration shown in FIGS. 10 through 13, anydesired number of racks 11 are arranged closely adjacent to each otherin a row. Three only are shown and bear the subdesignations a, b and c.The righthand rack a is connected to a reversible power source of anysuitable type, which reversibly drives a pair of endless cable 92, eachtrained over sheaves 94 and 96. The cables may as before be suitablyreceived in gutters having narrow entrance throats and so constructedand supported relative to the floor as to enable travel thereover ofloading and unloading devices such as lift trucks.

In this embodiment of the invention the space to the right of rack aconstitutes a loading and unloading aisle. Thus, it will be evident thatthe righthand side of rack a may be loaded or unloaded without requiringany movement of any of the racks a, b and c. If it is desired to load orunload the left end side of rack a or the right end side of rack b, theair supply for rack a is turned on, thereby establishing the air cushiontherefor and then the motor 90 is energized and pulls rack a far enoughto the right to establish an aisle between racks a and b which is wideenough to accommodate the lift truck or other loading or unloadingdevice.

In accordance with the present invention, if it is desired to load orunload the lefthand side of rack b, or the righhand side of rack 0, bothracks a and b are pulled to the right, thereby establishing an aislebetween racks b and c. If it is desired to load or unload the lefthandside of rack c, racks a, b and c are all interconnected and moved to theright. These movements are accomplished ,by providing drivingconnections between each pair of adjacent racks in the row.

Each of these driving connections comprises a pair of hook-like lockingmembers 95 carried by one of two adjacent racks and a pair of keepers 96carried by the other such rack, over which hooks 95 can engage. Books 95are formed on bell cranks 97 and are urged to the retracted positions bysprings 98 and can be moved to the locking positions by air-operatedrams 99. In the illustrated arrangement rack a carries two of thekeepers 96 at its lefthand side. Racks b and c and any other racks inthe row each have .a pair of hooks 95 at the righthand side to cooperatewith the keepers on the next adjacent rack to the right, and a pair ofkeepers at the other side to cooperate with the hooks on the nextadjacent rack to the left. i

.In the embodiment now being described guiding is accomplished byproviding at one end of each rack 11 a pair of guide rollers 104 whichride in a channel or track 106 which may be affixed to for example, thewall of the associated warehouse or like storage area. Rollers 104 arecarried on arms 102 which project downwardly from supports 100, suitablyaffixed to supports 46 of the associated rack 11.

It will be appreciated that as indicated by the dotdashed lines 108 inFIG. 10, the air supply lines forthe air bearings associated with theindividualracks (other than rack a) are interconnected with-the supplylines for the rams 99 of the corresponding rack. Thus, -assuming it isdesired to establish an aisle between racks b and c, and air-bearingsupply lines forracks aand b are energized thereby establishing the aircushions therefor and the rams 99 for rack b are also energized.Thereafter, motor 90 isturned on and both racks a and b are drawn to theright. As before, it is preferred to deflate the air-bearings while theunloading and loading occurs and this of course would release allenergized hooks 95. Upon completion of the loading or unloadingoperation the air bearings are again energized, the associated locks areagain established and motor 90 is energized to return the racks to thenormal position. It will of course be understood that if it is desiredto load or unload the lefthand side of rack c all three racks a, b and care interconnected as aforesaid and simultaneously moved to the right.Because of the very low coefficient of friction established by the airbearings little expenditure of power is required in moving a substantialnumber of loaded racks.

While it will be apparent that the preferred embodiments illustratedherein are well calculated to fulfill the objects above stated, it willbe appreciated that the present invention is susceptible tomodification, variation and change without departing from the scope ofthe invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A high density mobile storage system comprising a plurality ofindividual storage devices each provided with selectively energizableair bearing means which when energized establish a low friction aircushion between the device and a supporting floor, said devices beingnormally arranged in a row in closely spaced side-by-side relation,means for effecting guided movement of a first of said devices relativeto the other devices so as to make said first device accessible forloading or unloading, selectively operable'means on a second adjacentstorage device coupling it to the first storage device, and a fluidpressure source common to said coupling means and the air bearing meanson said second storage device, whereby energization of the air bearingmeans on the two adjacent storage devices will permit them both to movein unison.

2. The combination according to claim 1, said coupling means comprisinga locking member movably mounted on said second storage device, and afluid operated ram connected thereto.

3. A high density mobile storage system comprising a plurality ofindividual storage devices each provided with selectively energizableair bearing means which when energized establish a low friction aircushion between the devices and a supporting floor, said devices beingnormally arranged in a row in closely spaced side-by-side relation,means for effecting guided movement in a predetermined direction of anyselected device relative to other devices so as to make said selecteddevice accessible for loading or unloading, and guiding means forgoverning the path of movement of each of said devices, said guidingmeans being separate and spaced from said air bearings and comprising aplurality of arms carried by said device and spaced from each other insaid predetermined direction, said arms extending laterally with respectto said predetermined direction, and a fixed track adjacent said deviceand extending in said direction, said arms having elements at theirouter ends disposed within and guided by said track.

1. A high density mobile storage system comprising a plurality ofindividual storage devices each provided with selectively energizableair bearing means which when energized establish a low friction aircushion between the device and a supporting floor, said devices beingnormally arranged in a row in closely spaced side-by-side relation,means for effecting guided movement of a first of said devices relativeto the other devices so as to make said first device accessible forloading or unloading, selectively operable means on a second adjacentstorage device coupling it to the first storage device, and a fluidpressure source common to said coupling means and the air bearing meanson said second storage device, whereby energization of the air bearingmeans on the two adjacent storage devices will permit them both to movein unison.
 2. The combination according to claim 1, said coupling meanscomprising a locking member movably mounted on said second storagedevice, and a fluid operated ram connected thereto.
 3. A high densitymobile storage system comprising a plurality of individual storagedevices each provided with selectively energizable air bearing meanswhich when energized establish a low friction air cushion between thedevices and a supporting floor, said devices being normally arranged ina row in closely spaced sIde-by-side relation, means for effectingguided movement in a predetermined direction of any selected devicerelative to other devices so as to make said selected device accessiblefor loading or unloading, and guiding means for governing the path ofmovement of each of said devices, said guiding means being separate andspaced from said air bearings and comprising a plurality of arms carriedby said device and spaced from each other in said predetermineddirection, said arms extending laterally with respect to saidpredetermined direction, and a fixed track adjacent said device andextending in said direction, said arms having elements at their outerends disposed within and guided by said track.